NEET Physics: centripetal force and its applications Practice Questions
14 free multiple-choice questions on centripetal force and its applications (Laws of Motion) for NEET Physics, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. If the speed of an object in a circle is doubled while the radius remains the same, how does the required centripetal force change?
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Correct answer: A — It is doubled
Centripetal force is proportional to velocity squared (F_c = mv²/r). If velocity (v) is doubled, the force becomes 2² = 4 times larger.
Q2. A rope is used to swing a ball in a horizontal circle. The tension in the rope provides the necessary centripetal force. If the ball is moving at a constant speed, the net force acting towards the center of the circle is:
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Correct answer: C — Directed towards the center of the circle
In uniform circular motion, the net force required to maintain the circular path is the centripetal force, which is directed towards the center of the circle.
Q3. When a vehicle is driven around a banked curve on a level road, the necessary centripetal force is provided by the horizontal component of the normal reaction force. This application relates centripetal force to:
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Correct answer: A — Banking angle and speed
In banked curves, the balance between gravity and the horizontal component of the normal force provides the necessary centripetal force for safe movement.
Q4. A car is driven around a horizontal level track. The necessary force that pulls the car towards the center of the curve is known as:
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Correct answer: D — Centripetal force
Centripetal force is the net inward force required to keep an object moving in a circular path, directed towards the center of the circle.
Q5. A particle is moving in a circular path with a constant speed. The force acting on the particle, which provides the necessary centripetal force, is directed:
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Correct answer: A — Towards the center of the circle
Centripetal force is the net force required to cause the change in direction of the particle, meaning it is always directed towards the center of the circular path.
Q6. What is the direction of the centripetal force in uniform circular motion?
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Correct answer: C — Towards the center of the circle
Centripetal force is the net force required to cause the change in direction, meaning it always acts towards the center of the circular path.
Q7. The centripetal acceleration of an object moving in a circular path is directly proportional to the square of its speed. This relationship is expressed by the formula:
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Correct answer: D — a_c ∝ v²
The formula for centripetal acceleration is a_c = v²/r. Since the radius (r) is constant, the acceleration is directly proportional to the square of the velocity (v²).
Q8. The relationship between the centripetal force (F_c), mass (m), and velocity (v) of an object moving in a circle of radius (r) is given by:
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Correct answer: A — F_c = mv²/r
The fundamental equation for centripetal force is F_c = mv²/r.
Q9. The force required to keep an object moving in a circular path is known as:
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Correct answer: C — Centripetal force
Centripetal force is the net force directed towards the center of the circle, which is necessary to maintain the circular motion.
Q10. The minimum speed required for a particle of mass m to move in a circle of radius r such that the tension in the string is zero is:
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Correct answer: B — v = √gr
If the tension becomes zero, the required centripetal force is zero, meaning the required centripetal acceleration is zero. In this case, the required speed is the minimum possible speed, which is v = √gr (where g is acceleration due to gravity).
Q11. A particle is moving in a circular path. The net force acting on the particle is directed towards the center of the circle. This force is known as:
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Correct answer: B — Centripetal force
The force required to keep an object moving in a circular path (towards the center) is called the centripetal force.
Q12. Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration directed towards the center of the circle. If an object moves with a constant speed in a circle, what is the nature of its acceleration?
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Correct answer: D — Directed towards the center of the circle
Centripetal acceleration (a_c) is directed towards the center of the circle. This acceleration is responsible for changing the direction of the velocity vector.
Q13. The minimum speed required for a stone to complete a vertical circular path around a fixed point is determined by:
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Correct answer: D — The radius of the path
For the stone to remain moving in a circle, the tension must provide the necessary centripetal force. At the minimum speed, the tension is just enough to counteract gravity and provide the required centripetal force.
Q14. For an object to move along a curved path, there must be a net force acting on it that is directed:
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Correct answer: D — Along the radius of curvature
The net force (centripetal force) must be directed towards the center of the circle, which is perpendicular to the direction of motion.
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